Saffron pickers in Masshad, Iran, the hub of the global industry.
Saffron pickers in Masshad, Iran, the hub of the global industry.
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Around 200,000 red strands must be plucked from Crocus Sativus flower to produce each pound of the world's most expensive spice.
Around 200,000 red strands must be plucked from Crocus Sativus flower to produce each pound of the world's most expensive spice.
BEHROUZ MEHRI/AFP/Getty Images
A worker sorts and cleans saffron filaments at Iran's Novin Saffron factory in Touss industrial zone in Mashhad.
A worker sorts and cleans saffron filaments at Iran's Novin Saffron factory in Touss industrial zone in Mashhad.
BEHROUZ MEHRI/AFP/Getty Images
The spice has many uses, and is a staple of Persian cuisine.
The spice has many uses, and is a staple of Persian cuisine.
WIKI COMMONS
The "red gold" is often used in festivals and celebrations, such as the Jain Mahamastak Abhisheka ceremony in India.
The "red gold" is often used in festivals and celebrations, such as the Jain Mahamastak Abhisheka ceremony in India.
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The highest quality saffron is distinguished by a yellow taper at one end. Lower grade or fraudulent spice is often given away by dust in the package.
The highest quality saffron is distinguished by a yellow taper at one end. Lower grade or fraudulent spice is often given away by dust in the package.
Rowhani saffron
Testing for quality. High class saffron has stronger color that instantly spreads through water.
Testing for quality. High class saffron has stronger color that instantly spreads through water.
BEHROUZ MEHRI/AFP/Getty Images
Competition has grown from Afghanistan in recent years, where farmers have switched from cultivating the poppy.
Competition has grown from Afghanistan in recent years, where farmers have switched from cultivating the poppy.
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Spain is also a producer, but the country has been accused of re-branding Iranian produce.
Spain is also a producer, but the country has been accused of re-branding Iranian produce.
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Rowhani saffron products.
Rowhani saffron products.
Rowhani saffron